Hindu extremists are taking a different approach in India’s Chhattisgarh state to pressure Christians to recant, Morning Star News reports.

Those organizing an Ammajugani festival in Kapanar village, which includes festivities and making sacrifices to Hindu gods, said any families with even one Christian member would not be allowed to participate in the festival.

This ruling resulted in the murder of Kosa Kawasi, 22, by his uncle and cousin, after 20 villagers confronted Kosa and his wife at their home on May 4, telling them to recant their Christian faith.

They were initially kicked and hit with sticks. However, when Kosa refused to renounce his faith, he was stabbed several times by his uncle and cousin.

Kosa’s wife and brother, who is also a Christian, were initially able to drag the stricken man away from the mob.

However, the uncle and cousin returned with an axe and attacked again, hitting Kosa in the head, and killing him instantly. In the bedlam following the murder, Kosa’s wife and brother were able to escape.

Since the announcement a few weeks ago about the Christian restrictions for the Hindu festival, Kosa faced pressure and death threats from family members and others if he did not recant his Christian faith.

Kosa’s complaints to the local police about the death threats were ignored. His death has resulted in other Christians fleeing the village after they started receiving threats from family members.